10 European Destinations to Visit in 2017

1Lisbon, Portugal: In southern Portugal, this elegant waterfront city is still off the radar to most travelers, though it’s growing increasingly visible—and quickly becoming a buzzy destination within the creative and entrepreneurial expat community. It’s for good reason: The city is budget friendly—lunch at a typical café won’t take more than $10 out of your pocket. Then there’s the sun, which shines 290 days a year; the people, who are friendly and welcoming; and the fresh bacalao (salted cod), which is prepared in dozens of variations. The city itself is also gorgeous, with plenty of cultural and historical offerings. Museu Coleção Berardo, the city’s contemporary art museum, is first-rate and features intriguing temporary exhibitions. But even wandering the streets is a treat here: Manueline architecture—Portugal’s take on late Gothic—is stunning, even if it’s a bit worn around the edges. Not to miss is fado, a Portuguese musical tradition that’s hauntingly beautiful and has origins in Lisbon. Find it in one of the city’s many small, dark bars, preferably with a glass of port in hand.